Safety First

Sometimes when you enjoy things a whole lot (as much as I enjoy running), you take a step back and say, "hmm, I really hope I can do this forever." Despite growing up in a small town full of really nice people and dogs who really do just want to lick you and get a quick scratch on the ears, dangers lurk around every corner. I decided I needed some things to keep me safe.

I invested in a RoadID. I can't get over how nice these people are, and how cool and discrete their safety bracelet is. I love knowing that if I get hit by a car, or mauled by a dog, they will know not to give me antibiotics I'm allergic to, and they'll know how to get Adam on the phone. I bought their thinner bracelet- bright orange (accents my camo under armour... haha, no really), and also bought an additional black band for $1 to switch it out if I want to. This was an inexpensive way to wear a little bit of history on my wrist, and potentially really help me out someday.

These people are so nice to deal with, and this coupon code they mailed me with their appreciation for my order will get you $1 off of your next order: ThanksJustine22241351 (It's good for the rest of February).

Just this past Friday, I stopped at our local running store for some neon accents. I wanted a yellow vest for early morning and late evening runs, to be sure that folks notice me. Do I really want to be noticed? Not really... For some reason lots of people have been running in our neighborhood at dark, on the wrong side of the road, in black clothing, and it seems like a really stupid idea. I'm trying to be a smart runner. Sorting through the plethora of products- some that light up and some that are just plain bright, I happened upon a Nathan "Streak" vest. It has a key compartment and a water proof ID tag in it. Let's recap- I get to forget my RoadID the ONE time I need it (Isn't that always the way it works?), and be wearing my vest and somebody still knows what to do with me? This is a no-brainer. I bought it without batting an eye.

Blistex is another favorite product. Their "Complete Moisture" chapstick never ceases to amaze me. I went out on a 5+ mile icy, snowy, sloppy run last weekend, and when I got back, the chapstick was still on. Spitting, licking my lips, and breathing through my mouth, the chapstick held up, and my lips survived yet another blustery cold day in Pennsylvania. This is a massive win, and at such a great value, I keep them in my car, office, purse, gym bag, bedroom, etc, and you can afford to, too.

Altra Ambassador 2013

I have been afforded a tremendous opportunity this year- a position as an Altra Zero Drop Ambassador for 2013. I could not be happier to represent a company that I absolutely love. I have a jam packed schedule this year, and plan to pick up any other races I can find. I finally found some speed over the last few months, thanks to interval training and attention to cadence. I broke 25 minutes (24:51) at a chilly New Year's Eve 5K this year, and thought to myself, "Really? That wasn't so bad..?" It's amazing how good it feels to shatter your goals, and how quickly you find yourself raising the bar even higher. I look forward to sharing my journey with you, and I hope you'll provide some feedback along the way!

I attribute my steady improvement to a lot of hard work and my Altra Zero Drop shoes (I would specify a certain style, but I can't pick a favorite- that's like picking a favorite child for crying out loud!). I work in the Provisioness, which has led to a more comfortable professional life. Surgery can be hard on your body, but my postural improvement from wearing these shoes has changed everything. People expect you to be at the top of your game. Altra lets me do that in the operating room, and on the run. 

Altra brought out the best athlete in me, and I love spreading the word to others. Of the dozens of folks who have followed my lead, I have yet to find one person who has not been elated with their results. Everyone from my 72 year old diabetic friend who walks at the track every night while I run, to colleagues who rely on exercise for sanity- they're all loving life with zero limits.

Treadmill... Dreadmill?

I enjoy the principle of hopeless optimism- you know-- really looking hard for the good in things you find rather intolerable. For the first time in many years, the treadmill is that object of conflict. I find myself walking into the gym, taking that deep breath, hopping on, zoning out... before long, the aching in my knees (that had absolutely nothing to do with the ass-whooping I took on the racquetball court Sunday) has me thinking how nice it would be to grab a quick shower and pass out while watching NCIS on the couch. Maybe it's the fresh air and that oddly relaxing buzz you get from a winter run, that makes gearing up and heading out so worthwhile. Now that the wind chill is out of the negatives, maybe this week/weekend will some real road running. With true half training just one week away, it sure would be nice to feel the road under my feet...  There's something about knowing there are so many races to run-- it makes you want to get up and prepare. I love nothing more than to wake up with that good, clean soreness, that makes you smile from ear to ear before you even open your eyes. If that doesn't motivate you, I don't know what will. It's going to be an awesome year :)

The great indoors

I had an enjoyable workout today. After weeks of treadmill action, I made the decision to take my efforts to a more forgiving surface- the indoor track. We all know there's nothing quite like the great outdoors, but with sub-zero wind chills and icy roads, the mountains don't make winter training easy (or overly safe). I'm doing more cross training this year in hopes of reducing aches and pains, and gaining strength. The recumbent bike has been a nice adjunct, and I'm curious as to whether it will make much of a difference in my overall endurance performance.

Strava is a tool I've incorporated this year, mostly because my favorite running store is offering perks for milestones. As you all know, it always feels good to cross workouts off of the training list. Having to log performance has provided a different kind of gratification. Strava forces you to think about both time and distance, so if you're training focuses on one or the other, it can be quite daunting. I go through phases of focusing on distance, irrespective of time, which tends to worsen my times overall. During the off-season I tend to be much happier with spending an hour walking and running, alternating with standing core strengthening exercises. The most noticeable downside of Strava is the inability to log multiple activities under one workout. Overall, it's an awesome tool to track your workouts and analyze your progress. When the real training starts, it should prove to be really helpful- perhaps we'll revisit this in a few weeks.